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Tonquani/Cedarberg
Kloofs
Magaliesberg
Mountains, North West Province
Probably the most beautiful
kloof in the Magaliesberg Mountains, Tonquani is the picture of what
most people would class as the perfect water feature that they would
love to adorn their house except that this one goes on for Kilometre
after Kilometre. Stunning tree fern lined pools of crystal clear
water interspersed with giant rocks go to make this walk an
unforgettable experience.
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The entrance to
Cedarberg kloof is by way of Mountain Sanctuary Park and
the upper reaches of Tonquani kloof is via the MCSA
parking area south of Mooinooi. It is important to note
that both Cedarberg and Tonquani Kloofs are private
property owned by the Mountain Club and access is by
PERMIT ONLY. The area is patrolled by MCSA members who
can and will ask for your permit. |
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To get to
the top of Cedarberg Kloof one needs to first climb
away from the Mountain Sanctuary office towards 'The
Twins' rock formations and then start the descent
down into the kloof. From this point you are now
entering a restricted area. |
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The path
descends through thick undergrowth, steeply in
places, down into the kloof. |
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Now begins
the kloof walk that must be one of the most
beautiful in the Magaliesberg. Rugged in places and
needing a certain amount of agility, the gorge is
full of beautiful surprises. |
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Cedarberg
kloof eventually joins Tonquani kloof at a junction
that could be described like an inner-city junction
with tall buildings all around (in this case high,
vertical rocks) |
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From this
point on one can either go upstream towards Boulder
Kloof and Red Gully or downstream to the end of the
gorge. In any case you will have no alternative but
to get wet as large pools present obstacles where
there are no ways around. |
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As you
traverse these pools of crystal clear water the
awesomeness of the high rock cliffs can be glimpsed
that are so popular with rock climbers |
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The kloof
eventually comes to an end in some lovely rock pools
that are just waiting for the intrepid swimmers to
take the plunge. From here it is a short walk back
to the office at Mountain Sanctuary. |
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Conclusions
What a walk! Absolutely
stunning! It is incredible to think that places such as these
exist in Gauteng.There are no marked paths so it is important to
go with people that have been to the area before. It takes time
to negotiate the rocks and swim the pools so try and start
early. Take wading shoes and plastic bags to keep your personal
stuff dry. There is no overnight camping allowed in the kloofs.
The kloofs are regularly patrolled by members of the Mountain
Club who can and will ask for your permit.
Bookings
Mountain
Club of South Africa
Johannesburg Section
Telephone
and fax 011 807 1310
e-mail
admin@jhb.mcsa.org.za
Footprint
Hiking Club
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